The inaugural South Sudan Women’s Premier League kicked off in Juba on Saturday with 12 clubs taking part in a bid to grow women’s football across the country.
Footage shows players warming up, a band performing inside the stadium and the two teams walking onto the pitch, followed by action from the match and players and fans celebrating goals.
“It’s a great feeling, it brings for us every happiness that we wanted. We really wanted to have these competitions in South Sudan so we as women grow in South Sudan, we could be like the boys,” said Sumaya Maya, a player for Yei Joint Stars.
“Actually it is a great privilege that we are participating in this team, because we want to learn and compete in this tournament. We’ve not only come to participate; but compete as well,” said Amuja Fasara, a player for Juba Queen FC.
The chairman of Yei Joint Stars Football Club, Lemi William James, described the launch of the league as ‘very important’, saying it would help raise the standard of football in South Sudan and give teams more opportunities to compete against sides from elsewhere, particularly East Africa.
“This has been a long-awaited dream for many fans of women’s football in South Sudan and around the world,” said Bak Athian Bak Madut, Secretary General of the South Sudan Football Association.
“The league was delayed because the procedures had not been completed, and we did not have a sponsor. Thankfully, FIFA is now sponsoring the league, which is why the league has been launched,” said Susan John, Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee at the South Sudan Football Association.
Clubs from Juba and other parts of the country are taking part, including Juba Queens, Munuki Ladies, Yei Joint Stars, Bentiu City, Malakia, Kator, Wajuma, Nile Eagles, Al-Salam, Atlabara Ladies, Simba and Al-Merrikh Juba.
The new national competition is designed to give women players and clubs regular competitive football, while helping develop the women’s game across South Sudan.
Source: Viory
